Jenny Brewer
Author · Introduction
14 articles · Jun 2024 — Apr 2026
Quotes
“Alert fatigue is on the rise, and the sprawling chaos of big social networks has become white noise.”
Articles & interviews
- Lizzy Stewart’s The Wreck tells a messy love story like only an illustrator could
It's Nice That · Apr 9, 2026
The article profiles illustrator Lizzy Stewart’s new illustrated novel, The Wreck, published by Jonathan Cape. Blending comic panels, prose, and full-page paintings, the book explores friendship, class, and love through a visually rich, genre-defying format. Stewart discusses her creative process, materials, and the challenges of editing such a hybrid work.
Jonathan CapePenguin Bookseditorial - Marvel at the animated alchemy behind Mackenzie Crook’s Small Prophets
It's Nice That · Mar 16, 2026
The article explores the making of Mackenzie Crook’s TV series Small Prophets, focusing on the intricate stop-motion and CGI hybrid animation created by Will Anderson and Ainslie Henderson. Collaborating with Mackinnon & Saunders, the team brought Crook’s eerie homunculi to life using handcrafted puppets, 3D sculpting, and compositing techniques. The feature delves into the creative process, inspirations, and technical challenges behind the show’s distinctive aesthetic.
Mackinnon & SaundersBBCTreasure Trovemotion - The World of Black Film by Ashley Clark is a striking survey of Black cinematic history
It's Nice That · Feb 12, 2026
The article profiles 'The World of Black Film', a new book by Ashley Clark published by Laurence King, designed by Violetta Boxill of Alexander Boxill Associates. The publication surveys 100 films from across the Black diaspora, aiming to expand the understanding of Black cinema beyond the American context. Its design uses bold color, typographic rhythm, and cinematic references to reflect the book’s global and dynamic spirit.
Alexander Boxill AssociatesLaurence Kingeditorial - Forward Thinking 2026
It's Nice That · Jan 12, 2026
It’s Nice That launches its annual Forward Thinking 2026 series, curated by Jenny Brewer and produced in partnership with Residence. The series offers creatives tools and inspiration for the year ahead, spanning visual trends, offline creativity, digital experimentation, transparency in process, and the value of generalist skills.
Residenceeditorial - Affinity Rebrands with Bold Identity, Now Free to Use
It's Nice That · Oct 29, 2025
Affinity, the professional creative software brand recently acquired by Canva, has unveiled a full rebrand and product relaunch. Led by Canva’s European creative director Tom Carey and executed with Design by Twist, the new identity balances connection to Canva with a distinct, creative personality. Featuring a bespoke serif logomark, custom typeface by Ohno, and a tactile color palette, the rebrand emphasizes approachability and artistic expression.
CanvaDesign by TwistOhno Type Co.Affinitybranding - "Brands and Creatives Boost Authenticity Through Better Collaboration"
It's Nice That · Aug 11, 2025
The article introduces 'Not a Playbook', a new publication by WeTransfer’s Damian Bradfield and strategist Andreas Tzortzis, exploring how brands can build authentic relationships with creatives. Designed by Kris Pyda of Studio Pyda, the book reflects WeTransfer’s ethos of trust and long-term collaboration with artists. The piece highlights lessons from WeTransfer’s creative partnerships and its approach to authenticity and community engagement.
Studio PydaWeTransfereditorial - "Inside Bluey’s Creation: Art Director Catriona Drummond Shares Insights"
It's Nice That · Jul 9, 2025
The article explores how art director Catriona Drummond built the visual world of the hit children’s series Bluey. Drawing on her Brisbane roots, she developed the show’s distinctive backgrounds and style bible, blending Queenslander architecture with simplified, graphic design principles. The feature offers insight into her creative process and collaboration with creator Joe Brumm and Ludo Studio.
Ludo StudioStudio JohoBlueyanimation - Join a Hyperlocal Social Network When Moving from Big City
It's Nice That · Jul 1, 2025
The article explores how creatives leaving major cities are finding new ways to connect through hyperlocal social networks like M.Y Local Network, founded by illustrator Ryan Todd and photographer Emma Todd in Frome, Somerset. The platform fosters collaboration and community among local creatives, addressing isolation and the loss of infrastructure that often accompanies relocation. It highlights the growing trend of decentralised, community-focused digital spaces for creative professionals.
Makers’ YardRyan Todd StudioEmma Todd Studiodigital - "Gen Z Creatives Share Views on Future of Creative Industry"
It's Nice That · Jun 5, 2025
The article, written by Jenny Brewer for It’s Nice That’s Ones to Watch 2025 series, gathers insights from four Gen Z creatives about entering the creative industry in 2025. Each contributor shares their hopes, challenges, and perspectives on diversity, opportunity, and the evolving creative landscape. The piece highlights optimism amid uncertainty and emphasizes community, inclusivity, and adaptability as key values for the next generation of designers.
- Debbie Millman Marks 20 Years of Influential Design Matters Podcast
It's Nice That · Apr 17, 2025 · Interview
The article celebrates 20 years of Debbie Millman’s pioneering podcast Design Matters, reflecting on its origins, evolution, and enduring mission to explore creativity. Millman discusses the early challenges of launching a design-focused show in 2005, her most meaningful interviews, and the upcoming 20th anniversary event at Symphony Space in New York City. She emphasizes her continued passion for storytelling and connecting with creative minds across disciplines.
Design MattersSterling Brandsdigital - 27 Filmmakers Unite for Coldplay’s ‘🌈’ Video Masterpiece
It's Nice That · Jan 22, 2025
The article explores how director Isabel Garrett and production studio Blinkink brought together 27 filmmakers worldwide to create Coldplay’s mixed-media music video for 🌈 (Alien Hits/Alien Radio). The film blends stop motion, animation, live action, and documentary footage into a cohesive, emotional narrative celebrating connection and nature. Garrett discusses the collaborative process, creative curation, and the project's rapid four-week production timeline.
BlinkinkColdplayWarner Music Groupmotion - David Shrigley Designs Art for Hot Chip, Sleaford Mods Collab
It's Nice That · Nov 26, 2024
Artist David Shrigley has created the sleeve artwork for a collaborative release between Hot Chip and Sleaford Mods, titled Nom Nom Nom and Cat Burglar. The illustration explores themes of identity and multiple selves, aligning with the collaboration’s fusion of two distinct musical styles. The release, part of Abbey Road’s Lock-In series, is being pressed by Friendly Records with proceeds going to War Child.
Hot ChipSleaford Modspackaging - Perfectionism: Boosting Creativity or Holding You Back?
It's Nice That · Oct 17, 2024
The article explores the complex relationship between perfectionism and creativity, examining how the drive for flawlessness can both enhance and hinder creative work. Featuring insights from therapist Mel Padron-Golding and creatives Siqi Song and renald Louissaint, it discusses how perfectionism can fuel excellence but also lead to paralysis or burnout. The piece encourages balance between striving for quality and allowing imperfection as part of growth.
- The Guardian's creative team crafts election artwork by hand
It's Nice That · Jun 14, 2024
The Guardian’s creative team has produced all of its 2024 election coverage artwork by hand, using paper cuttings and collage to emphasize authenticity in an era of AI-generated imagery and misinformation. Led by creative director Chris Clarke, the team’s tactile approach aims to reflect a ‘Broken Britain’ while reinforcing trust and transparency in visual journalism. The process involves a small rotating team producing several handmade artworks daily for live news coverage.
The GuardianThe Guardianeditorial